Gerenuk
... the supermodel of the ungulate world!
ANTELOPE AND
GIRAFFE TAG
Why exhibit gerenuks?
• Create a show-stopping exhibit with these bipedal
antelope! Gerenuk consistently awe crowds with
their extraordinarily long legs and neck AND with
their incredible habit of standing upright on their
hind legs while feeding on browse.
• Pair gerenuk in a mixed exhibit with other acacia
feeders such as dik-diks, impala, kudu, or
giraffes, and interpret how they all browse on
different parts of the tree to avoid competition.
• Provide memorable visitor experiences with onexhibit training sessions that showcase natural
behaviors and husbandry practices, and make
behind-the-scenes tours thrilling with outstanding
hand-feeding opportunities!
• Highlight the biologically diverse but politically
unstable Horn of Africa region, and share not only
the threats facing the region, but how your zoo is
working with in situ partners to save this species.
IUCN
MEASUREMENTS
NEAR
THREATENED
Length: 4.5-5.5 feet
Height: 3-3.5 feet
at shoulder
Weight: 60-120 lbs
Dry woodland
East Africa
95,000
in the wild
Stewardship Opportunities
Northern Rangelands Trust
http://www.nrt-kenya.org/
Care and Husbandry
YELLOW SSP: 34.47 (81) in 16 AZA institutions (2016)
Species coordinator: Christina Seely, Denver Zoo
[email protected] ; (720)337-1669
Social nature: Typically housed as a breeding group of one male and
several females. Solitary males do well, but a companion is
preferred for females. Offspring must be separated at a year old.
Mixed species: Mix best with laid-back ungulate species, like giraffe,
kudus, and smaller antelope. Successfully housed with numerous
ground birds like hornbills, cranes, and bustards.
Housing: A delicate species. Access to heated shelter required if
temperatures are below 55ºF, and gerenuk have a heightened risk
of pneumonia during wet weather (often kept inside during rain).
Medical notes: Susceptible to pneumonia, hepatitis, corona virus, and
abomasal ulcers. Leg trauma can be mitigated with exhibit design.
Special requirements: Fresh browse should be offered as often as
possible to promote natural feeding and proper digestion.
Keeper resources: Workload is low. Training is important for reducing
fractiousness and desensitizing individuals to novel stimuli.
Please contact the TAG for full husbandry guidelines.
http://www.azaungulates.org/
Photos by M. Hatwood, B. Huffman, S. Porter (main image), and C. Seely. Published March 2017.